Dry ice converter



Oct. 18, 1938. P, c. MCABEE '2,133,461

` DRY ICE CQNVERTER l Filed March 26, l1934 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTORl BYMM' A ATTQRNEYS Pau] ahza Oct. 1s, 19118.` y P, C, MCABEE 2,133,461

DRY 4ICE QONVERTER Filed March 26, 1954 4 sheets-sheet 2 INVENTOR ATTORNEYS Oct. 18, 1938.

P. c. MCABEE.

DRY ICE'CONVERTER 4 sheets-sheet s' Filed March 26, 1934 Patented Oct. 18, 1938 PATENTv oFFlcE par ron CONVERTER Paul C. McAbee,vNew York, N. Y. y Application Maren 26,1934, serial No. 717,378 s claims. (c1.` zzo- 3) i This invention relates to containers for convertingsolids into liquids or gases, and more' particularly to containers for converting solid carbon dioxide into liquid or gaseous form.

Such a container must provide an opening whereby it may be conveniently charged with the solid material. It must likewise have means for securely closing and sealing the opening to withstand the high pressures developed within the container. A container fulfilling the above requirements is disclosed in my copending appli- V(3a/tion Serial N0. 682,404, led July 27, 1933.

According to one form of the present invention, a container or flask is provided having animproved closure which may be quickly and conveniently removed and replaced. The invention may further provide a novel sealing gasket for automatically sealing the closure in place when pressure is developed within the cylinder.

Means may 'likewise be provided to insure against excessive pressures within the container. This means may preferably. comprise a device for preventing an overcharge'of the solid material,

such'as solid carbondioxide or dry ice, being' placed in the container. Thedanger of excessive pressuresmaybe further prevented by the use of an improved safety valve device.` l

'I'he present invention likewise contemplates various modifications of the above forms, such as those hereinafter shown and described.

Although the novel features which are-believed t be characteristic of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims appended hereto, the invention itself, as to its objects and advantages, and the manner in which it may be carried out, may be better understood by referring to the following description takenv in cony nection with the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof, in which Fig. 1 is a sectional elevation of the upper end of the container having lone form of improved closure means; I

Fig. 2 is a side elevation taken at right angles to Fig. 1 and showing the cover partly removed; Fig. 3 is atop view of the container with the cover removed;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the cover; Fig. 5 is a sectional elevation of the upper end of the container with'a modified form of closure for the charging opening;

Fig; 6 is a top view, partly in sectionjof the form shown. in Fig. 5; y

. Fig. '7 is a sectional elevation of the upper end of the container with a further modied form of closure for the charging opening;v

Fig. 8 is a top view`, partly in section, of the form :shown in Fig. 7;'

Fig. 9 is a sectional-elevation of the upper end of the container with another modified form of closure for the charging opening; y 5

Fig. 10 is a horizontal section on the line Ill-I0 of Fig. 9;

Fig. .11 is a side elevation of the upper end of the container with the cover in place;

Fig. 12 is a side elevation of the upper end of 10 thecontainer and the cover moved; Fig. 13 is a sectional elevation of the container having a partition dividing the upper and lower y parts of the chamber; l5

Fig. 14 is a sectionalelevation of the lower Iwith the cover re- .part of the container taken at right angles to Fig. 13; Fig. 15 is a horizontal `section on theline I5--l5 of Fig. 14; 20

Fig. 164 is a sectional elevation of the upper part of the container having an improvedfixture and safety valve device;

Fig. 17 is an enlarged section of the safety valve device; Fig. 18 is a section on the line l8-l8 of Eig. 17; and i Fig. 19 is a section of a modified form of the safety valve device.

In the following description and in the claims, various details will be identified by specific names for convenience but they are intended to be as generic in their application as the art will permit.

Like reference characters denote like parts in the several figures of the drawings.

lIn the drawingsaccompanying and forming part of this specification, 'certain specic disclosure of the invention is made for purposes of explanation, but it `will be understood that the details may be modified in various respects with- 40 out departure from the broad aspect of the invention.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Figs. 1 to 4, container or cylinder I is similar-,'in general, to the usual liquid carbon 45 dioxide cylinders or flasksy used forshipping in myabove mentioned copending application.

The -side walls of the cylinder are formed at the upper endinto a neck 3 surrounding opening 2. In the form shown in the figures, the neck is ofV considerably smaller diameter than the body of the container. (In some instances, however, the upper shoulder may be eliminated in which instance neck 3 will be of the same diameter as'the body of the cylinder or container.

A flange or rim 4v is formed at the upper end of the neck 3. Theange isilattened on two f opposite sides to form parallel guideways 5. In

Iaddition, parallel grooves 6 are cut in the opposite 'sides' of the neck 3 parallel to guideways 5. The upper edges 1 of both grooves 6 are cut to form inclined surfaces in the same plane.

Sliding cap or cover 8 may be rectangular in plan, as shown in Fig. 4. It is provided with recessed guides 9 arranged to cooperate with the the underside of plate v cover is in place. In order to overcome friction between cover Band gasket II and to prevent sticking, a thin rectangular metal plate 5I may be inserted under the cover.

A small annular recess or seat I3 is formed around the inside of the top of the neck to receive a self-sealing, soft rubber gasket Il. lThis gasket -has an annular flange IIc seating in seat I3. Flange IIc may be of the same thickness orslightly greater than the depth of the seat I3. The vinner edges ofV gasket II are'tapered to relatively sharp annular flanges or lips IIa and I Ib. Lip I la extends inwardly and fits closely against 5I when the same is in place. Lip IIb extends downwardly and axially of the gasket in order to t closely against the inner wall of neck 3.

The cylinder may be provided with the usual ,outlet pipe I2 in the side of the neck, 4whereby the compressed gas may be withdrawn or a pres- `sure gauge may be attached. The cylinder wall may likewise be tapped at I2a to provide for attaching a safety valve device or for further withdrawing gas or liquid from the cylinder.

In order to charge the cylinder with solid, the cap 8 is withdrawn by hand by merely slidlng it ofi laterally, as indicated in Fig. 2. When there is no gas pressure in the cylinder, this may be 4readily done by hand with little or no effort. Attaching and removing the cover may be facilitated, if desired, by placing a small quantity of lubricant between the underside of cover 8 and the top of plate 5I. After the cover has been removed, the plate 5| is lifted off. The cylinder is then 'charged with the solid, such as carbon dioxide, by breaking the material up into sufllciently small piecesto pass through the Opening 2 in the neck and'feeding the material throughthe opening. If necessary, a 4:tunnel maybeusedto facilitate charging. When a sumcient quantity of the solid has been placed in the cylinder to produce the desired lgas or liquid charge, the gasket II and -plate 5I are placed in position on the top of the neck and the cover is slid into place on the top of the-neck by hand.

A tight fit is unnecessary. It is suiilcient to slide the cover byhand completely over the opening until the inclined surfaces 1 and l0 snugly engage. The gasket iiange IIc may or may not be initially compressed by the wedging action of the cover, but it will generally be found preferable to have the under surface of plate 5I engage or almost engage the wall of the seat I3.

As soon as some of the solid has changed into gaseous form due to the heat received from the surroundings, a gas pressure begins to buildup in 'the container. This pressure will immediately compress the gasket, pressing the lips IIa and IIb against the underside of the plate and the inner wall of the neck 3, respectively, and causing the gasket material to distort and flow and tightly seal the joint between the ilask and 4the plate. 'I'he i'lange IIc assists in the sealing operation and is also of use to prevent the gasket from dropping into the container when it is initially placed in position. then build up to a value which will depend von the quantity of solid charge placed in the cylinder and the'temperature of the room. In the case of carbon ldioxide, after the pressure has reached a certain value (corresponding to the triple point on pressure-temperature diagrams), liquid carbon dioxide will begin to collect in the bottom of the cylindery and the carbon dioxide will'eventually be entirely converted into liquid and gaseous form. The gas may then be withdrawn through pipe `I2 and utilized in any manner desired,

Due to the pressure of the platey against the cover 8, it will be impossible to remove the cover as long as there is pressure in the container. Furthermore, it is impossible" for pressure to build up with the cover on improperly. Thus perfect s'afety is insured in the use of the container and accidents due to the sudden release of the pressure are effectively prevented.

In the modied form of closure shown in Figs.

5 and l6, neck 3 is of uniforn'l'thickness substantially throughout its length and is threaded on the outside to receive an annular sleeve I4 which is threaded to screw onto the neck. Gasket II rests in the annular recess or seat IIa.y on the top ofthe neck 3, as shown. A thin circular metal' disc 52 rests on top of gasket Il and performs a similar function to plate 5I in Fig. 1. A screw cap or cover I5 having a wing handle I6 is .adapted to screw into the upper end of sleeve Il.

Disc 52 may be 4inserted and cap I5 may be screwed down against the top of the disc by hand after the charging operation. The cylinder will be effectively sealed by self-sealing gasket II .'as soon as pressure develops.

While the handle I6 may be grasped either by hand or by. a small wrench, it will ordinarily 'be sufiicient to screw it down vby hand without further clamping. With the improved form of gasket which I have developed it is not necessary to tighten the cover .greatly since the sealing occurs automatically'regardless of the tightness of the joint.

In the further modified form of closure shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the neck 3 is extended into an integral upper neck I1 oi somewhat larger diameter than neck 3. A shoulder I8 is thus formed half way down the inside of the neck to receive gasket Il. The inside of enlarged neck I1 is threaded for approximately half its length.

For sealing. the container, a pressure`plate I9 in the form of a thick metal disc is inserted in the enlarged neck and rests on the upper surface of gasket I I. l A screw cap or cover 20, which. may be of hollow construction, as shown, vis then iscrewed. into the neck I1 againstthe pressure The pressure may Y l -:3,133,481 lplate t9. A square lug 2| is provided on 'the top of cap to receive a small wrench. It is obvious, however, that a-'wing handle, such as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, may be used with equaly facility. The hollow construction of the cover, whereby an annular flange is formed at its outer edge, facilitates the attaching and removing of the cover. It also provides a lighter cover which .is'handled more easily.

' In the modified form of closure shown in Figs. 9, l0, 1l and 12, cover 22 is adapted to be secured l' to neck 3 by a bayonet slot arrangement. In this arrangement a plurality of lugs 23 are provided on the cap to cooperate .with a corresponding plurality of lugs 24 on theneck. Lugs 23.0n the cap are provided with sloping surfaces 25 which cooperate with sloplng'surfaces 26 on the neck lugs to form a tightening means for the cover. In

this arrangement a circular sealing disc, similar to disc 52 in Fig. 5but preferably of the same diameter as flangel Ilcf and seating within the recessed seat, may be used, if necessary.. or the coverzmay rest directly against the gasket, as il.

luStrated.

yIn closing the cylinder, cover 22 is placed on the. top 'of neck 3 in such a position that lugs 23 on the cover fit between lugs 24 on the neck -(see Fig. 12). clockwise direction until the inclined surfaces 25 The capis then rotated in a and 26 meet and pull the cap snugly down against gasket i I resting in a seat on the top of the neck. (See Figs.- 10 and 11.) v In the form illustrated-in the figures, three lugs are provided lon the cover and neck, respectively, and in this instance the cap would be turned approximately 60 after l thereon.

Partition 21 'serves to4 prevent an excessive' charge of the solid material being placed in thel cylinder, whereby pressures might be developed which exceed the rated strength of the cylinder. The partition may be approximately one-third of the distance up from the bottom ofthe cylinder. Its exact position'may be predetermined from aA consideration of the size of upper chamberv just sufficient to accommodate the proper charge of solid.l Legal requirements for carbon dioxide provide that 'no more than a certain-specified weight may be charged into a given commercial cylinder. Without partition 2,1, there is great danger that an inexperienced or careless person may place an excessive and dangerousquantity of the solid material in the cylinder.`v

With my arrangement, using partition 21,--.the

" solid material may ll o nly into the upper part lof the cylinder thereby eliminating danger of overcharging.. As the material is changed from the solid into liquid or gaseous form, it will readily pass through the holes inpartition 21 and the pressure will be uniformly distributed throughout the cylinder. The liquid may be withdrawn through opening 43 in the bottom of the container by suitable conduits and the gas 'may be withdrawn through gas valve fixture 44 in a well known manner.

In Figs. 1s, 1'1, 1s and 19, improved forms of safety .valve and of gas valvev fixture are -illustrated. In Fig. 16 safety valve device 30is shown attached to the side wall of cylinder i, here illus. `trated as being. filled with the dry ice 3| which may rest on a false bottom, such as 21 in Fig. 13.

Cil

Safety device 30 is tightly screwed into the i `side of the cylinder and'the joint is sealed by means of an annular gasket 39. Safety valve 30 follows, in general, the form of the usual safety. devices used for such purposes and comprises a hollow shank portion 32 having an enlarged part 33 adapted to receivea wrench and a threaded part 34 adapted to screw into the wall of the cylinder. A small fracturable discv35, which may be made of copper or other soft metal, rests on the outer end of shank 32 covering the bore 42 `therein and a knurled screw cap 36 is screwed tightly-down over the disc. Knurled cap 36 is provided with openings or passageways 4I through which the gas may escape in casedisc is frac tured by excessive pressure;

Gas valve fixture 44 is likewise tightly screwed into the cylinder wall. It is similar -in construction to the standard gas valve used with compressed gas containers. vIt comprises a body portion having inlet passages 45 leading from the inside of the container to an auxiliary safety valve 46 and a gas outlet Valve 48 manually operated by a handle or knob 49 to control the flow of gas to outlet passage 50.

According to my invention, means are provided on the safety device and on the gas valve fixture for preventing foreign material from entering the gas passageways 42 and 45, respectively. In

the ordinary form of liquid carbon dioxide cylinders, in which liquid carbon dioxide is shipped from the manufacturer, there may be less danger vof foreign material getting into the inside of the cylinder and clogging the valve. With a. carbon dioxide. converter, however, foreign matter is more likely to get into thecylinder and render the safety device inoperative. Pieces ofpaper, for example, may occasionally be mixed in with the dry ice when .it is charged into the cylinder.`

Metal scale, too, may sometimes be found .in the cylinder. 2 i

In order to effectively keep the passages 42 and `45 clear at all'times, I have provided foraminous thimbles covering the inner ends of these passages'. 'I'hese thimbles may be integral with the body portions of the fixtures, as shown .in Fig.` 17,

`where thimble 31 is shown integral withy shank .32. AIf desired, however, they may be threaded into the body portions, as shown at 38 in Fig. 1.9. With the latter construction, it is possible to modify the present standard safety valves or valve fixtures to accommodate the thimbles by tapping threads in the entrances tov the gas passages and screwing the thimbles-into them.

vIt will be understood that the combined area of the holes 40 in thethimbles or screens is equal to or preferably greater than the cross sectional area of the gas passage ofthe safety valve or fixture.

The thimbles here disclosed ,are especially convenient since they .permit the` valves to be rethe cylinder.l Other modified forms of screening `devices .may be used, however, such as .a screen thimbleor cap provided with an inside threaded rim which will screw' onto external threads4 34 from the inside of the cylinder. With either form .of thim'me or screen, the passages in the safety;

f moved and replaced entirely from the outside of valvesand gas valves are effectively kept clear of foreign solid matter.

While certain novel features of the invention have been disclosed and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions and changes may be made by'those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. 1

What is 'claimed-is:

1. In a'cnverter for dry ice or the like, a clon--v tainerhaving an opening and an annular seat, a closure for said opening,the wall of said closure being angularly related to the wall of Said container, an annular gasket vof soft giveable material seated in said seat and comprising an annular body having an annular, radial, inwardly v projecting ilange and an annular, axially projecting ilange, saidlaxial and inwardly projecting flanges having comparatively sharp free edges,

said body bridging the joint between said closure and container walls, said annular, inwardly pro- .iecting ilange being held against said closurewall and said axially projecting .ange being held 'against saidcontainer wall by direct exposure to pressure generated within the container.

2. In a converter for dry ice or the like, a container having a cylindrical opening and an inwardly projectingseat intermediate the length of said opening, said opening being internally threaded above said seat and having a smooth cylindrical side wall below said seat," an annular gasket o! soit, giveable material comprising an annular body having an annular, radial, out- `wardly projecting ilange resting on said seat.

said body having an annular, radial, inwardly projecting nange and an annular axially projecting flange, said axial and inwardly projecting flanges having comparatively sharp free edges, a threaded closure!` enssed, in said threaded opening and having a flat, radial surface, said gasket body bridging the joint between said nat surface and said opening, said annular, inwardly projecting flange-being held against said flat sur- !ace and said axially projecting flange being held against the smooth cylindrical side wall oi said container by direct exposure to pressure generated within the container.

3; In a converter for dry ice or the like, a container having an opening with an annular seat,v

to a closure for said opening, the wsu or said c10- 'sure being angular-ly related to the' side wail or said container, an annular gasket of soft giveable` material seated in said seat and comprising van annular body having an annular, radial, inwardly extending surface and an annular, axially extending suriace, saidbody bridging the joint be'- tween said Iclosure and container walls, said annular, inwardly extending Asurface being held against said closure wall and said axially exte'nding surface being held' against said container wall by .direct exposure to pressure generated within the container. 1 -4. In a converter for dry ice or the like, a container having a cylindrical opening and an inwardly projecting seat intermediate the length the nat surface of said closure 4and said axially extending surface being held `against the smooth cylindrical side wall oi said container by the dire'ct exposure .to pressure generated. within the container.

5. In a dry ice converter or the like, a. containerhaving .an opening with an annular, inwardly projecting shoulder forming a' seat, said opening being internally threaded above said seat and having a smooth side wall below said.

opening, a ring-like gasket having an -annular main body portion provided with a peripheral lip l resting on said seat, said body portion having' two sides, one side of said body portion resting against the lower surface of said plug inwardly oi'saidseat, the other side of said body`portion resting against the inner wall of the container under said seat, said `sides being held against their respectivewalls by direct exposure to pressure generated within the container. l

- a PAUL C. McABEE.

seat, a threaded plug disposed in said threaded 

